Paul, with Timothy named alongside Him in the greeting, though the letter speaks primarily with Paul's apostolic and pastoral voice.
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Philippians 1
Gospel Partnership and Joyful Witness in Christ
Because Christ is supreme and the gospel is advancing, believers can rejoice, endure, and live worthy of the gospel even when ministry is costly.
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Chapter Summary
Because Christ is supreme and the gospel is advancing, believers can rejoice, endure, and live worthy of the gospel even when ministry is costly.
Overview
Philippians 1 argues that the gospel creates a partnership deeper than circumstance, that God faithfully completes what He begins in His people, that suffering may serve rather than hinder gospel advance, and that the church must publicly embody the gospel with unity, courage, and perseverance.
Context
The saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, including overseers and deacons, indicating a local church with identifiable leadership and mature congregational structure.
Paul writes while imprisoned, most likely during a Roman custody setting, addressing a church that has materially and spiritually partnered with Him in gospel ministry.
Because Christ is supreme and the gospel is advancing, believers can rejoice, endure, and live worthy of the gospel even when ministry is costly.
Paul, with Timothy named alongside Him in the greeting, though the letter speaks primarily with Paul's apostolic and pastoral voice.
The saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, including overseers and deacons, indicating a local church with identifiable leadership and mature congregational structure.
Paul writes while imprisoned, most likely during a Roman custody setting, addressing a church that has materially and spiritually partnered with Him in gospel ministry.
Social Pressure
- The Philippian believers face opposition, pressure, and the temptation either to fear opponents or to fracture under stress. Paul also faces rivalry from some preachers who proclaim Christ with selfish ambition.
Philippi was a Roman colony with strong civic identity, honor-conscious values, and imperial loyalty. Paul's language of citizenship, worthy conduct, and public gospel witness speaks into a community shaped by Roman status and public allegiance.
Philippians 1 belongs to the apostolic witness after Christ's death, resurrection, ascension, and the sending of the Spirit. The gospel has moved into Gentile regions, forming churches whose identity rests not in Roman privilege but in union with Christ and partnership in the gospel.
Chapter Movement
From thanksgiving for gospel partnership, to confidence in God's completing work, to joy over gospel advance through suffering, to a summons to live publicly as citizens worthy of Christ's gospel.
Discourse Insight
Theological exposition and fulfillment
Philippians 1 presents the gospel as the message of Christ that creates a new people, advances even through suffering, produces righteous fruit through Jesus Christ, and summons believers to live publicly in a manner worthy of Christ. The gospel is not merely religious information; it is the proclamation of Christ that reorders life, death, community, suffering, and mission.
Structural Flow
Identity, recipients, leadership, and blessing are established in Christ-centered terms.
Paul's gratitude is rooted in shared gospel labor and divine perseverance, not sentimental memory alone.
Love must be shaped by knowledge, discernment, eschatological readiness, and righteousness through Christ.
Paul teaches the church to evaluate hardship by gospel advance rather than personal comfort.
Paul's life is governed by Christ's exaltation, fruitful ministry, and the church's progress in joy.
The church is called to visible unity, courage, striving, and endurance under suffering.
Chapter Outline
- 1:1-2: Paul begins by identifying Himself and Timothy as servants of Christ and the Philippians as saints in Christ, with leaders included but the whole church addressed.
- 1:3-8: Paul's joy flows from the Philippians' long-standing fellowship in the gospel and His confidence that God will complete His saving and sanctifying work in them.
- 1:9-11: Paul prays not for vague affection but for love abounding in knowledge, insight, moral discernment, eschatological purity, and righteous fruit through Christ.
- 1:12-18: Paul interprets chains, public exposure, emboldened believers, and even envy-driven preaching through the controlling concern that Christ is proclaimed.
- 1:19-26: Paul's deepest aim is that Christ be exalted in His body. Death brings gain because it brings presence with Christ, but continued life means fruitful service for the church.
- 1:27-30: Paul calls the Philippians to stand firm, strive together, reject fear, and receive suffering as part of their Christ-given participation in gospel witness.
Theological Argument
Philippians 1 argues that the gospel creates a partnership deeper than circumstance, that God faithfully completes what He begins in His people, that suffering may serve rather than hinder gospel advance, and that the church must publicly embody the gospel with unity, courage, and perseverance.
The chapter moves from grace-rooted identity to gospel partnership, from partnership to prayerful formation, from formation to gospel-centered interpretation of suffering, and from Paul's example to the church's worthy conduct.
- 1.The church's identity is located in Christ before it is defined by geography, status, leadership, or circumstance.
- 2.Shared participation in the gospel produces joy, prayer, affection, and confidence in God's preserving work.
- 3.Christian love must abound with knowledge and discernment, not remain vague, sentimental, or untethered from truth.
- 4.Hardship is to be interpreted through gospel advance, not merely through personal loss or institutional setback.
- 5.Christ's exaltation gives meaning to both life and death.
- 6.Continued life is not self-preservation but fruitful labor for the progress and joy of others in the faith.
- 7.The church's public life must match the gospel it confesses: unified, courageous, striving together, and unashamed under opposition.
- 8.Suffering for Christ is not a sign of abandonment but a granted participation in the life of those who belong to him.
Theological Focus
- Union with Christ as the ground of church identity
- Gospel partnership as shared participation in mission
- Divine perseverance and completion of saving work
- Love shaped by knowledge and moral discernment
- Providence in suffering and limitation
- Christ's supremacy over life and death
- Joy as a gospel-rooted disposition rather than circumstantial optimism
- Corporate steadfastness under opposition
- Suffering as participation in Christ's cause
- Public conduct worthy of the gospel
- Gospel Partnership
- Joy in Suffering
- Perseverance of God's Work
- Discernment-Shaped Love
- Christ as Life
- Worthy Gospel Conduct
- Union with Christ
- Perseverance and Divine Preservation
- Sanctification
- Providence
- Christology
- Ecclesiology
- Eschatology
- Christian Suffering
- Assurance
- Mission and Witness
Theological Themes
The Philippians are not passive recipients of Paul's ministry but active participants in the gospel from the beginning.
Paul's joy is not denial of pain but theological clarity that Christ is being proclaimed and will be exalted.
Paul's confidence rests in God, who began the good work and will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Christian love must mature into wise, holy, and Christ-directed judgment.
Paul does not merely serve Christ; Christ defines the meaning, aim, and value of Paul's existence.
The church is called to live publicly in a way that corresponds to the gospel's worth.
Covenant Significance
Philippians 1 reflects new-covenant life in Christ: a Spirit-formed church participates in gospel mission, grows in righteous fruit through Jesus Christ, waits for the day of Christ, and suffers faithfully as a people whose citizenship and allegiance are governed by the Lord rather than earthly status.
Old Testament Connections
- The saints are addressed as a covenant people in Christ Jesus, not merely as members of a voluntary association.
- The good work begun by God points to divine initiative and preservation in salvation and sanctification.
- The fruit of righteousness comes through Jesus Christ, showing that covenant obedience is Christ-mediated rather than self-generated.
- The day of Christ frames Christian growth eschatologically, directing present formation toward future accountability and completion.
- Suffering for Christ is presented as granted participation, indicating that new-covenant life includes witness through affliction.
- The theme of God completing His work resonates with the covenant faithfulness of the Lord toward His people.
- The fruit of righteousness echoes prophetic expectations that God's renewed people would bear righteousness produced by divine grace.
- Standing firm amid opposition aligns with the faithful-remnant pattern seen throughout Israel's history.
Canonical Connections
Philippians 1:6 aligns with the canonical pattern of God's faithfulness to preserve and finish His saving purposes.
Paul's prayer for abounding love with knowledge fits biblical wisdom's insistence that love and righteousness must be governed by truth.
Paul's chains advance the gospel, echoing the biblical theme that God's servants may bear witness through affliction.
Paul's life-and-death confession belongs to the larger New Testament witness that believers belong to Christ in life and death.
The call to live worthy of the gospel parallels Paul's broader exhortations to walk worthy of God's calling and kingdom.
Cross References
Gospel Clarity
Philippians 1 presents the gospel as the message of Christ that creates a new people, advances even through suffering, produces righteous fruit through Jesus Christ, and summons believers to live publicly in a manner worthy of Christ. The gospel is not merely religious information; it is the proclamation of Christ that reorders life, death, community, suffering, and mission.
Gospel Guardrails
- The church exists as saints in Christ Jesus, showing that gospel identity is union-based.
- Grace and peace come from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, grounding Christian life in divine favor rather than human achievement.
- God begins and completes the saving work, securing confidence in His faithfulness.
- The gospel creates partnership, not spectatorship.
- Christ is proclaimed as the center of apostolic mission.
- Righteous fruit comes through Jesus Christ, protecting against moralism.
- Christ's exaltation is the aim of Christian existence.
- The gospel calls for conduct worthy of Christ, protecting against antinomian distortion.
- Suffering for Christ is part of gospel participation, not evidence that the gospel has failed.
- Do not turn Philippians 1 into a general positivity chapter · its joy is anchored in Christ and gospel advance.
- Do not reduce gospel partnership to institutional volunteering · it is shared participation in the mission of Christ.
- Do not preach Philippians 1:6 as self-improvement optimism · it is confidence in God's completing work in believers.
- Do not separate righteous fruit from Jesus Christ · Paul explicitly says it comes through Him.
- Do not present worthy conduct as earning salvation · it is the fitting public life of those already claimed by the gospel.
Primary Emphasis
Philippians 1 presents Christ as the center of Christian identity, the content of gospel proclamation, the one through whom righteous fruit comes, the Lord whose day governs present holiness, the one whose exaltation is worth life or death, and the treasure whose presence makes death gain.
Chapter Contribution
Philippians 1 argues that the gospel creates a partnership deeper than circumstance, that God faithfully completes what He begins in His people, that suffering may serve rather than hinder gospel advance, and that the church must publicly embody the gospel with unity, courage, and perseverance.
Doctrines in This Chapter
Grace and peace come jointly from the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Joy is rooted in Christ’s proclamation rather than personal comfort.
The good work originates with God.
God uses adverse circumstances to advance His purposes.
Believers live in view of the day of Christ.
Believers are with Christ after death.
Believers share in grace through partnership in mission.
Believers belong to Christ’s kingdom above earthly systems.
Suffering for Christ is part of Christian calling.
God completes the saving work He begins.
Saints are set apart by covenant identity.
The gospel message remains effective regardless of circumstance.
Believers grow in purity and righteousness through Christ.
Endurance is sustained by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Christ is exalted in both life and death.
Righteous fruit is produced through Jesus Christ.
Believers stand firm together in one Spirit.
Doctrinal Weight
The Philippians are saints in Christ Jesus, and Paul's life is defined by Christ as its meaning and aim.
God, who began the good work in believers, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Paul prays for abounding love, knowledge, discernment, purity, blamelessness, and fruit of righteousness through Christ.
Paul's imprisonment and even hostile preaching are interpreted within God's larger work of advancing the gospel.
Christ is Lord, gospel content, source of righteous fruit, object of proclamation, goal of exaltation, and believer's gain in death.
The chapter addresses the whole church with its leaders and calls the congregation to shared gospel striving.
The day of Christ frames Christian holiness, perseverance, and completion.
Suffering for Christ is granted to believers and belongs to faithful gospel witness.
Paul's confidence rests in God's faithful work rather than the Philippians' unaided strength.
The gospel advances through proclamation, partnership, courage, and steadfast public conduct.
Reading Lenses
Theological exposition and fulfillment
- Philippians 1 presents the gospel as the message of Christ that creates a new people, advances even through suffering, produces righteous fruit through Jesus Christ, and summons believers to live publicly in a manner worthy of Christ. The gospel is not merely religious information; it is the proclamation of Christ that reorders life, death, community, suffering, and mission.
Key Greek Terms
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense bondservants, slaves, those belonging to and serving a master
Definition One under the authority and ownership of another, used by Paul to describe total allegiance to Christ.
References Philippians 1:1
Lexicon bondservants, slaves, those belonging to and serving a master
Why it matters Paul's opening identity frames ministry not as status-seeking but as belonging to Christ and serving under His lordship.
Form in passage Dative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense holy ones, those set apart to God
Definition Those consecrated to God through their identity in Christ.
References Philippians 1:1
Lexicon holy ones, those set apart to God
Why it matters The church's identity is defined by being set apart in Christ before Paul addresses their conduct.
Sense favor, grace, divine kindness
Definition God's undeserved favor and enabling kindness toward his people.
References Philippians 1:2
Lexicon favor, grace, divine kindness
Why it matters The letter begins with grace, protecting the chapter's calls to worthy conduct from becoming moralism.
Sense peace, well-being, reconciled wholeness
Definition Peace from God rooted in reconciliation and covenant blessing.
References Philippians 1:2
Lexicon peace, well-being, reconciled wholeness
Why it matters Paul blesses a pressured church with divine peace before calling them to stand firm amid opposition.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense fellowship, sharing, participation, partnership
Definition A shared participation in a common reality or mission.
References Philippians 1:5
Lexicon fellowship, sharing, participation, partnership
Why it matters The Philippians' relationship with Paul is not mere friendship; it is active participation in gospel work.
Sense good news, gospel proclamation
Definition The announced good news of God's saving work in Christ.
References Philippians 1:5, 7, 12, 16, 27
Lexicon good news, gospel proclamation
Why it matters The gospel is the center of partnership, defense, confirmation, proclamation, progress, and worthy conduct in the chapter.
Form in passage Aorist · Middle · Participle · Singular What is this?
Sense to begin, commence
Definition To initiate or begin a work.
References Philippians 1:6
Lexicon to begin, commence
Why it matters God is the initiator of the good work in believers, grounding assurance in divine action rather than self-originated effort.
Form in passage Future · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense to complete, finish, bring to fulfillment
Definition To bring something to its intended goal or completion.
References Philippians 1:6
Lexicon to complete, finish, bring to fulfillment
Why it matters Paul's confidence rests on God's faithfulness to complete His work until the day of Christ.
Form in passage Dative · Plural · Neuter What is this?
Sense deep inward affection, compassion
Definition A term for deep, heartfelt compassion or inward affection.
References Philippians 1:8
Lexicon deep inward affection, compassion
Why it matters Paul's pastoral affection is not detached professionalism but Christ-shaped love for the church.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense love, covenantal and self-giving concern
Definition Love characterized by commitment, moral concern, and God-shaped direction.
References Philippians 1:9
Lexicon love, covenantal and self-giving concern
Why it matters Paul prays that love would abound, but not as mere feeling; it must be shaped by knowledge and discernment.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense knowledge, full knowledge, recognition
Definition A fuller, morally and relationally significant knowledge.
References Philippians 1:9
Lexicon knowledge, full knowledge, recognition
Why it matters Love must grow in real knowledge, guarding against sentimental or undiscerning spirituality.
Form in passage Dative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense perception, discernment, moral insight
Definition The capacity to perceive and judge rightly.
References Philippians 1:9
Lexicon perception, discernment, moral insight
Why it matters Christian maturity requires moral perception that can distinguish what is excellent.
Form in passage Present · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense to test, approve, discern after examination
Definition To examine and approve what is genuine, fitting, or excellent.
References Philippians 1:10
Lexicon to test, approve, discern after examination
Why it matters Paul's prayer aims at believers who can approve what is best, not simply avoid what is obviously wrong.
Form in passage Nominative · Plural · Masculine What is this?
Sense pure, sincere, unmixed
Definition Marked by sincerity and moral purity.
References Philippians 1:10
Lexicon pure, sincere, unmixed
Why it matters Paul's vision of maturity includes integrity before the day of Christ.
Sense fruit produced by righteousness or righteous fruit
Definition The visible moral and spiritual fruit that comes through Jesus Christ.
References Philippians 1:11
Lexicon fruit produced by righteousness or righteous fruit
Why it matters Paul grounds righteous fruit in Christ, guarding the text from self-generated moralism.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense progress, advancement
Definition Forward movement or progress, especially of a cause.
References Philippians 1:12
Lexicon progress, advancement
Why it matters Paul's chains have served the progress of the gospel, reversing normal assumptions about imprisonment and limitation.
Individual words κηρύσσουσιν / καταγγέλλεται kēryssousin / katangelletai · κηρύσσουσιν / καταγγέλλεται kēryssousin / katangelletai
Form in passage Present · Active · Indicative · 3rd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense to herald, announce, proclaim publicly
Definition To publicly announce or herald a message.
References Philippians 1:15-18
Lexicon to herald, announce, proclaim publicly
Why it matters The chapter measures ministry events by whether Christ is proclaimed, even when human motives are mixed.
Form in passage Genitive · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense selfish ambition, rivalry, factional spirit
Definition A self-seeking and rivalry-driven disposition.
References Philippians 1:17
Lexicon selfish ambition, rivalry, factional spirit
Why it matters Paul exposes the danger of true proclamation being delivered from corrupt motives.
Form in passage Present · Active · Indicative · 1st Person · Singular What is this?
Sense to rejoice, be glad
Definition To express gladness or joy.
References Philippians 1:18
Lexicon to rejoice, be glad
Why it matters Paul's rejoicing is grounded in Christ's proclamation and exaltation, not in ease of circumstance.
Form in passage Accusative · Singular · Feminine What is this?
Sense salvation, deliverance, preservation
Definition Rescue or deliverance, with context determining temporal or ultimate emphasis.
References Philippians 1:19
Lexicon salvation, deliverance, preservation
Why it matters Paul expects His situation to result in deliverance through prayer and the Spirit's help, though the exact form may include life or death.
Form in passage Future · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense to magnify, exalt, make great
Definition To cause someone to be regarded as great or to display greatness.
References Philippians 1:20
Lexicon to magnify, exalt, make great
Why it matters Paul's supreme concern is that Christ be magnified in His body whether through life or death.
Individual words ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος ho huios tou theou tou zōntos · χωρὶς Χριστοῦ chōris Christou
Form in passage Present · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense living defined by Christ
Definition A compressed confession that Christ is the meaning, content, aim, and center of life.
References Philippians 1:21
Lexicon living defined by Christ
Why it matters This is the chapter's central life-orientation statement, subordinating every earthly aim to Christ.
Form in passage Nominative · Singular · Neuter What is this?
Sense gain, advantage, profit
Definition That which is advantageous or beneficial.
References Philippians 1:21
Lexicon gain, advantage, profit
Why it matters Death is gain for Paul because it brings Him to be with Christ, not because life lacks value.
Form in passage Aorist · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense to depart, leave, break camp
Definition To depart from present life, used here for death as departure to be with Christ.
References Philippians 1:23
Lexicon to depart, leave, break camp
Why it matters Paul's desire to depart is governed by the hope of being with Christ, not despair.
Form in passage Present · Middle · Imperative · 2nd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense to live as a citizen, conduct oneself publicly
Definition To live or conduct oneself as a member of a commonwealth.
References Philippians 1:27
Lexicon to live as a citizen, conduct oneself publicly
Why it matters In a Roman colony, Paul calls believers to a public way of life worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Form in passage Present · Active · Indicative · 2nd Person · Plural What is this?
Sense to stand firm, remain steadfast
Definition To hold one's ground with perseverance.
References Philippians 1:27
Lexicon to stand firm, remain steadfast
Why it matters The church is called to steadfast unity rather than intimidation or fragmentation under pressure.
Form in passage Present · Active · Participle · Plural What is this?
Sense to contend together, strive side by side
Definition To labor or struggle together as partners in a contest.
References Philippians 1:27
Lexicon to contend together, strive side by side
Why it matters The church's gospel witness requires coordinated endurance, not individualistic spirituality.
Sense faith, trust, belief, the faith as gospel confession
Definition Trust in Christ and, contextually, the faith of the gospel as the body of confessed truth.
References Philippians 1:27
Lexicon faith, trust, belief, the faith as gospel confession
Why it matters The church strives together for the faith of the gospel, showing that unity serves gospel truth.
Form in passage Aorist · Passive · Indicative · 3rd Person · Singular What is this?
Sense to grant graciously, give freely
Definition To give as a gracious gift.
References Philippians 1:29
Lexicon to grant graciously, give freely
Why it matters Paul says suffering for Christ has been granted to believers, reframing suffering as participation in Christ's cause.
Form in passage Present · Active · Infinitive What is this?
Sense to suffer, experience affliction
Definition To undergo suffering or painful experience.
References Philippians 1:29
Lexicon to suffer, experience affliction
Why it matters Suffering for Christ is not treated as accidental to discipleship but as part of faithful participation in Him.
Lexicon data: MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML (CC0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (CC BY 4.0) · Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon (CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible Data (CC BY 4.0) · Full details
Discourse Connectives (35)
grounds / explanation 5strong contrast / correction 3purpose clause 3result clause 1conditional clause 1content marker or causal 8comparative / scriptural grounding 1concessive adversative 1continuation or mild contrast 6contrast setup (μέν...δέ) 2additive / emphatic 4
| v.6 | ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.7 | καθώςEven ascomparative / scriptural groundingWhen Paul writes καθώς γέγραπται ('just as it is written'), he is providing scriptural warrant for everything preceding it. |
| v.8 | γάρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.9 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.10 | ἵναso thatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.12 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.13 | ὥστεso as forresult clauseὥστε states what happens as a consequence. ἵνα states what is intended. |
| v.14 | καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together. |
| v.15 | μὲνindeedcontrast setup (μέν...δέ)The μέν...δέ pair is a rhetorical hinge. Both sides matter equally.δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.18 | γάρ;then?grounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.πλὴνOnlyconcessive adversativeπλήν often signals a pastoral correction: 'that said, here is what matters most.'ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.ἀλλὰYesstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.19 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.20 | ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.ἀλλ᾽butstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
| v.21 | γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.22 | εἰIf [I am]conditional clauseAsk whether Paul treats the 'if' as assumed true (1st class) or merely hypothetical.δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.23 | δὲnowcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast.γὰρforgrounds / explanationAsk: what claim is this 'for' grounding? That claim is the main point. |
| v.24 | δὲbutcontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.25 | καὶAndadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.26 | ἵναso thatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...' |
| v.27 | ἵναso thatpurpose clauseἵνα clauses often contain the theological payoff: 'so that God might...'ὅτιthatcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason. |
| v.28 | καὶandadditive / emphaticClause-initial καί in Paul often links equal-weight clauses that should be read together.μένindeedcontrast setup (μέν...δέ)The μέν...δέ pair is a rhetorical hinge. Both sides matter equally.δὲhowevercontinuation or mild contrastNote where δέ appears in a μέν...δέ pair — that structure is a deliberate contrast. |
| v.29 | ὅτιForcontent marker or causalIf ὅτι follows a verb of speaking/knowing/believing, it introduces content. If it follows a statement, it introduces a reason.ἀλλὰbutstrong contrast / correctionAsk: what is being set aside? What is being asserted instead? |
Discourse data: STEPBible TAGNT (CC BY 4.0)
Verb Aspect (59 main verbs)
completed 2ongoing 13prospective 6resultant 3imperative 1subjunctive 3infinitive 14participle 17
| v.3 | Εὐχαριστῶeucharistéōthankpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.4 | ποιούμενοςpoiéōmakingpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.6 | πεποιθὼςpeíthōconfidentperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐναρξάμενοςenárchomaibeganaorist middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐπιτελέσειepiteléōbring ~ tocompletionfuture active indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.7 | φρονεῖνphronéōthinkpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἔχεινéchōhavepresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.8 | ἐπιποθῶepipothéōlong forpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.9 | προσεύχομαιproseúchomaipraypresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthπερισσεύῃperisseúōaboundpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.10 | δοκιμάζεινdokimázōapprovepresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbδιαφέρονταdiaphérōexcellentpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.11 | πεπληρωμένοιplēróōfilledperfect passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.12 | Γινώσκεινginṓskōknowpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbβούλομαιboúlomaiwantpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἐλήλυθενérchomaihappenedperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present result |
| v.14 | πεποιθόταςpeíthōtrustingperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionτολμᾶνtolmáōdarepresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbλαλεῖνlaléōspeakpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.15 | κηρύσσουσινkērýssōpreachpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.16 | εἰδότεςeídōknowingperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionκεῖμαιkeîmaiputpresent middle indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.17 | καταγγέλλουσινkatangéllōproclaimpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthοἰόμενοιoíomaithinkingpresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἐγείρεινegeírōcausepresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.18 | καταγγέλλεταιkatangéllōproclaimedpresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthχαίρωchaírōrejoicepresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthχαρήσομαιchaírōrejoicefuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.19 | οἶδαeídōknowperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present resultἀποβήσεταιturn outfuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.20 | αἰσχυνθήσομαιashamedfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionμεγαλυνθήσεταιmegalýnōexaltedfuture passive indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised action |
| v.21 | ζῆνzáōlivepresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbἀποθανεῖνdieaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.22 | ζῆνzáōlivepresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbαἱρήσομαιchoosefuture middle indicativeprospectiveFuture indicative — anticipated or promised actionγνωρίζωgnōrízōknowpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
| v.23 | συνέχομαιsynéchōhard pressedpresent passive indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthἔχωνéchōhavingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀναλῦσαιdepartaorist active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.24 | ἐπιμένεινepiménōremainpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.25 | πεποιθὼςpeíthōconvincedperfect active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionοἶδαeídōknowperfect active indicativeresultantPerfect indicative — completed action with present result |
| v.26 | περισσεύῃperisseúōaboundpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingent |
| v.27 | πολιτεύεσθεpoliteúomaiconductpresent middle imperativeimperativeImperative mood — command or exhortationἐλθὼνérchomaicomeaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἰδὼνhoráōseeaorist active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀπὼνabsentpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀκούωhearpresent active subjunctivesubjunctiveSubjunctive mood — conditional, purpose, or contingentστήκετεstḗkōstanding firmpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truthσυναθλοῦντεςsynathléōcontendingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.28 | πτυρόμενοιptýrōfrightenedpresent passive participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionἀντικειμένωνopponentspresent middle participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting action |
| v.29 | ἐχαρίσθηcharízomaigrantedaorist passive indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionπιστεύεινpisteúōbelievepresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verbπάσχεινpáschōsufferpresent active infinitiveinfinitiveInfinitive — verbal noun or complementary verb |
| v.30 | ἔχοντεςéchōhavingpresent active participleparticipleParticiple — verbal adjective, supporting actionεἴδετεhoráōsawaorist active indicativecompletedAorist indicative — punctiliar or completed actionἀκούετεhearpresent active indicativeongoingPresent indicative — ongoing, habitual, or general truth |
Verb forms indicate aspect — not interpretive weight. Consult context before drawing conclusions about emphasis.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain
Formation Focus
Christ must become the believer's controlling reality in prayer, suffering, mission, life, death, and church conduct.
Believers must be trained to interpret life through Christ and the gospel rather than through comfort, reputation, fear, or visible success.
Joyful steadiness, discerning love, gospel courage, sacrificial partnership, and Christ-centered endurance.
Practice Response
- Pray Philippians 1:9-11 regularly for the church and specific believers.
- Identify one hardship and ask how Christ might be magnified through faithful endurance in it.
- Examine whether ministry involvement is driven by love for Christ or by comparison, rivalry, and recognition.
- Encourage another believer by naming evidence of God's good work in them.
- Practice public loyalty to Christ in a specific setting where fear has been silencing witness.
- Evaluate church life by the question: Are we striving together for the faith of the gospel?
Warnings and Misreadings
- The chapter warns against evaluating ministry by comfort, prestige, control, or visible ease. It also warns against loveless discernment, undiscerning affection, fear of opponents, rivalry in ministry, and a form of Christianity that wants Christ's benefits without Christ-centered suffering and public witness.
- Paul's joy means suffering should not deeply affect believers. - Paul's joy is deeply theological, not emotionally shallow. He recognizes imprisonment, rivalry, death, and opposition, yet interprets them through Christ and gospel advance.
- Philippians 1:6 guarantees every human project a successful outcome. - The promise concerns God's saving and sanctifying work in His people, completed at the day of Christ, not blanket success for every plan.
- Love abounding means affirming without discernment. - Paul prays for love to abound in knowledge and depth of insight so believers can discern what is best.
- Since Paul rejoices that Christ is preached by rivals, motives do not matter. - Paul does not approve selfish ambition. He rejoices that Christ is proclaimed while implicitly exposing envy and rivalry as spiritually disordered.
- To live is Christ and to die is gain means despising earthly life. - Paul values earthly life as fruitful labor for the church. Death is gain because it brings presence with Christ, not because embodied service is meaningless.
- Worthy conduct means earning the gospel. - Paul calls believers to live in a way fitting the gospel they have received, not to merit grace by moral performance.
- Suffering proves God is displeased with the believer. - In this chapter, suffering for Christ is granted to believers as part of their participation in Christ's cause.
Discipleship Questions
- Where am I tempted to measure God's faithfulness by ease rather than by His ongoing work in Christ?
- Does my love abound with knowledge and depth of insight, or is it detached from truth and discernment?
- What present limitation, disappointment, or affliction needs to be reinterpreted through the advance of the gospel?
- Can I honestly say, 'To live is Christ,' or have lesser aims quietly become the center of my life?
- Do I view continued life as fruitful labor for others or primarily as personal preservation?
- Where does fear of opposition weaken my public loyalty to Christ?
- Is our church striving together for the faith of the gospel, or merely sharing the same building and schedule?
- Do I see suffering for Christ as strange, shameful, and avoidable at all costs, or as a granted participation in His cause?
Pastoral Applications
- Teach believers to pray beyond circumstances.
- Reframe hardship without minimizing pain.
- Guard ministry motives.
- Center counseling on Christ's worth.
- Strengthen congregational unity under pressure.
- Prepare believers for costly discipleship.
Pastoral Trajectories
Christian community matures when affection becomes shared labor in the gospel.
Paul trains the church to see that God may advance the gospel through what appears restrictive.
Love grows rightly when shaped by knowledge, insight, purity, and righteous fruit.
Paul's confidence does not trivialize death but places death under the superior promise of being with Christ.
The gospel must be embodied visibly in courage, unity, and perseverance.
Motifs in This Chapter
Trace servant identity, obedient mission, and suffering service across Scripture.
Trace how divine glory, revealed majesty, and Christ-centered exaltation move across Scripture.
Study holiness as divine character, covenant identity, and sanctified life across Scripture.
Follow faith, believing response, trust, and persevering allegiance across Scripture.
Study kingdom reign, divine rule, and gospel kingdom proclamation across Scripture.
Trace the Spirit's presence, empowerment, renewal, and mission-bearing work across Scripture.
The Biblical World
Chapter At A Glance
From thanksgiving for gospel partnership, to confidence in God's completing work, to joy over gospel advance through suffering, to a summons to live publicly as citizens worthy of Christ's gospel.
Philippians 1 reflects new-covenant life in Christ: a Spirit-formed church participates in gospel mission, grows in righteous fruit through Jesus Christ, waits for the day of Christ, and suffers faithfully as a people whose citizenship and allegiance are governed by the Lord rather than earthly status.
Philippians 1 presents the gospel as the message of Christ that creates a new people, advances even through suffering, produces righteous fruit through Jesus Christ, and summons believers to live publicly in a manner worthy of Christ. The gospel is not merely religious information; it is the proclamation of Christ that reorders life, death, community, suffering, and mission.
Joyful steadiness, discerning love, gospel courage, sacrificial partnership, and Christ-centered endurance.
Focus Points
- Union with Christ as the ground of church identity
- Gospel partnership as shared participation in mission
- Divine perseverance and completion of saving work
- Love shaped by knowledge and moral discernment
- Providence in suffering and limitation
- Christ's supremacy over life and death
- Joy as a gospel-rooted disposition rather than circumstantial optimism
- Corporate steadfastness under opposition
- Suffering as participation in Christ's cause
- Public conduct worthy of the gospel
- Gospel Partnership
- Joy in Suffering
- Perseverance of God's Work
- Discernment-Shaped Love
- Christ as Life
- Worthy Gospel Conduct
- Union with Christ
- Perseverance and Divine Preservation
- Sanctification
- Providence
- Christology
- Ecclesiology
- Eschatology
- Christian Suffering
- Assurance
- Mission and Witness
Cross References
Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis; and from there to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district, a Roman colony. We were staying some days in this city. On the Sabbath day we went outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of...
Founding context
Moreover, brothers, we make known to You the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia, how in much proof of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity. For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,
Macedonian partnership
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. Whom He predestined, those He also called. Whom He called, those He also justified. Whom He justified,...
Providential endurance
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News, in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained. Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Gospel not chained
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself up for me.
Christ-centered life
For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for You, that You may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, that You may walk worthily of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened...
Parallel prayer
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg You to walk worthily of the calling with which You were called, with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Worthy walk and unity
Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon You to test You, as though a strange thing happened to You. But because You are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of His glory You also may rejoice with exceeding joy. If You are insulted for the name of Christ, You are blessed; because the Spirit of glory...
Suffering for Christ
But remember the former days, in which, after You were enlightened, You endured a great struggle with sufferings; partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so. For You both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of Your possessions, knowing that You...
Steadfastness under opposition
Don’t be afraid of the things which You are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of You into prison, that You may be tested; and You will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give You the crown of life.
Faithfulness unto death
Passages
Chapter opening: Philippians 1:1-2
Paul (Παυλος). He does not mention his apostleship as he usually does. Omitted also in I and II Thess. and Philemon. Timothy (Τιμοθεος). In no sense the author, but associated with Paul because with him here in Rome as in Corinth when I and II Thessalonians written and in Ephesus when I Corinthians sent and in Macedonia when II Corinthians written. Timothy was with Paul when the Philippian church was founded ( Ac 16:1 , 13 ; 17:14 ).
He had been there twice since ( Ac 19:22 ; 20:3 f. ). To all the saints (πασ τοις αγιοις). The word saint (αγιος) here is used for the professing Christians as in 1Co 1:2 which see as well as Ro 1:7 for the origin of the word. The word "all" (πασ) means that all individual believers are included. Paul employs this word frequently in Philippians. In Christ Jesus (εν Χριστω Ιησου).
The centre for all Christian relations and activities for Paul and for us. In Philippi (εν Φιλιπποις). See on Ac 16:12 for discussion of this name. With the bishops (συν επισκοποις). "Together with bishops," thus singled out from "all the saints." See Ac 20:17 , 28 for the use of this most interesting word as equivalent to πρεσβυτερος (elder). It is an old word from επισκεπτομα, to look upon or after, to inspect, so the overseer or superintendent.
In the second century επισχοπος (Ignatius) came to mean one superior to elders, but not so in the N. T. The two New Testament church officers are here mentioned (bishops or elders and deacons). The plural is here employed because there was usually one church in a city with several pastors (bishops, elders). And deacons (κα διακονοις). Technical sense here of the other church officers as in 1Ti 3:8-13 , not the general use as in Mt 22:13 .
The origin of the office is probably seen in Ac 6:1-6 . The term is often applied to preachers ( 1Co 3:5 ; 2Co 3:6 ). The etymology (δια, κονις) suggests raising a dust by hastening.
Upon (επ). Basis of the thanksgiving. All (παση). Note frequent use of "all" here (πασηι, παντοτε, always, παση, again, παντων υμων, you all). The use of "you all" recurs several times ( 4 , 7 bis , 8 ).
With joy (μετα χαρας). Keynote of the Epistle. Paul is a happy prisoner as in Philippi when he and Silas sang praises at midnight though in prison ( Ac 16:25 ).
For your fellowship (επ τη κοινωνια υμων). "On the basis of your contribution" as in 2Co 8:4 ; 9:13 ; Ac 2:42 . The particular kind of "partnership" or "fellowship" involved is the contribution made by the Philippians for the spread of the gospel ( 1:7 συγκοινωνους and 4:14 where συγκοινωνησαντες occurs). In furtherance of the gospel (εις το ευαγγελιον). "For the gospel."
From the first day until now (απο της πρωτης ημερας αχρ του νυν). As when in Thessalonica ( Php 4:15 f. ), in Corinth ( Ac 18:5 ; 2Co 11:7-10 ), and now in Rome.
Being confident (πεποιθως). Second perfect active of πειθω, to persuade. This very thing (αυτο τουτο). Accusative of the inner object with πεποιθως, "this thing itself." Will perfect it (επιτελεσε). Future active indicative of επιτελεω, will fully (επι-) finish. God began and God will consummate it (see 2Co 8:6 ; Ga 3:3 where both words occur together as here), but not without their cooperation and partnership.
Until the day of Jesus Christ (αχρ ημερας Χριστου Ιησου). The second coming as in verse 10 . See 1Th 5:2 , 4 ; 2Th 1:10 ; 2:2 ; 1Co 1:18 ; 3:13 ; 2Co 1:14 ; Ro 13:12 . Paul never sets the time for the Lord's return, but he is cheered by that blessed hope.
Because I have you in my heart (δια το εχειν με εν τη καρδια υμας). Or "because you hold me in your heart." Literally, "because of the holding me (or you) in the heart as to you (or me)." One accusative is the object of the infinitive εχειν, the other is the accusative of general reference. There is no way to decide which is the idea meant except to say that love begets love.
The pastor who, like Paul, holds his people in his heart will find them holding him in their hearts. In the defence (εν τη απολογια). Old word (our word apology, but not our idea of apologizing), in the original sense in Ac 22:1 ; 25:16 . So also in verse 16 below. Confirmation (βεβαιωσε). Old word from βεβαιοω (βεβαιοσ, βαινω), to make stable. In N. T. only here and Heb 6:16 about oath.
Partakers with me of grace (συγκοινωνους μου της χαριτος). Literally, "my co-sharers in grace" (objective genitive). "Grace prompted them to alleviate his imprisonment, to cooperate with him in defending and propagating the gospel, and to suffer for its sake" (Vincent, Int. Crit. Comm .)
My witness (μαρτυς μου). Same solemn oath in Ro 1:9 . I long after (επιποθω). Longing (ποθος) directed toward (επ) the Philippians. Old word, chiefly in Paul in N.T. In the tender mercies (εν σπλαγχνοις). Literally "in the bowels" as the seat of the affections.
May abound (περισσευη). Present active subjunctive of περισσευω, may keep on overflowing, a perpetual flood of love, "yet more and more" (ετ μαλλον κα μαλλον), but with necessary limitations (river banks), "in knowledge" (εν επιγνωσε, in full knowledge) "and all discernment" (παση αισθησε). The delicate spiritual perception (αισθησις, old word from αισθανομα, only here in N.T. as the verb only in Lu 9:45 in N.T.) can be cultivated as in αισθητηριον ( Heb 5:14 )
So that ye may (εις το υμας). Either purpose or result (εις το plus infinitive as in Ro 1:11 , 20 ; 3:26 , etc.) Approve the things that are excellent (δοκιμαζειν τα διαφεροντα). Originally, "test the things that differ." Cf. same idiom in Ro 2:28 . The verb was used for assaying metals. Either sense suits this context, but the first step is to distinguish between good and evil and that is not always easy in our complex civilization.
Sincere (ειλικρινεις). Old word of uncertain origin from κρινω, to judge, by ειλη (sunlight) or to sift by rapid rolling (ειλος). At any rate it means pure, unsullied. Void of offence (απροσκοπο). Alpha privative προς and κοπτω, to cut, "not stumbled against" (not causing others to stumble) or if active "not stumbling against." Passive sense probably, not active as in 1Co 10:32 .
Common in the papyri, though not in ancient Greek writers.
Fruits of righteousness (καρπον δικαιοσυνης). Singular, collective idea, fruit of righteousness. Accusative case retained with perfect passive participle.
The things which happened unto me (τα κατ' εμε). "The things concerning me" = "my affairs" as common in Josephus. Have fallen out rather (μαλλον εληλυθεν). "Have come rather." Second perfect active indicative of ερχομα. Unto the progress (εις προκοπην). Late word from προκοπτω, common verb, to cut or strike forward, but this late substantive does not occur in classical Greek.
It is a technical term in Stoic philosophy for "progress toward wisdom" and it appears also in the papyri and the LXX. In N. T. only here, verse 25 ; 1Ti 4:15 .
Throughout the whole praetorian guard (εν ολω τω πραιτωριω). There were originally ten thousand of these picked soldiers, concentrated in Rome by Tiberius. They had double pay and special privileges and became so powerful that emperors had to court their favour. Paul had contact with one after another of these soldiers. It is a Latin word, but the meaning is not certain, for in the other New Testament examples ( Mt 27:27 ; Mr 15:16 ; Joh 18:28 , 33 ; 19:9 ; Ac 23:35 ) it means the palace of the provincial governor either in Jerusalem or Caesarea.
In Rome "palace" would have to be the emperor's palace, a possible meaning for Paul a provincial writing to provincials (Kennedy). Some take it to mean the camp or barracks of the praetorian guard. The Greek, "in the whole praetorium," allows this meaning, though there is no clear example of it. Mommsen and Ramsay argue for the judicial authorities ( praefecti praetorio ) with the assessors of the imperial court.
At any rate Paul, chained to a soldier, had access to the soldiers and the officials.
The most of the brethren (τους πλειονας των αδελφων). "The more part of the brethren." The comparative with the article with the sense of the superlative as often in the Koine . In the Lord (εν Κυριω). It is not clear whether this phrase is to be connected with "brethren" or with "being confident" (πεποιθοτας), probably with πεποιθοτας. If so, then "through my bonds" (τοις δεσμοις μου) would be the instrumental case and mean that by means of Paul's bonds the brethren "are more abundantly bold" (περισσοτερως τολμαιν).
Even of envy and strife (κα δια φθονον κα εριν). "Even because of" (accusative after δια). Surely the lowest of motives for preaching Christ. Envy is an old word and an old sin and strife (ερις) is more rivalry than schism. It is petty and personal jealousy of Paul's power and prowess by the Judaizers in Rome whom Paul has routed in the east, but who now exult at the opportunity of annoying their great antagonist by their interpretation of Christ.
Jealousy is always against those of one's own class or profession as preachers with preachers, doctors with doctors. Of goodwill (δι' ευδοκιαν). Because of goodwill toward Paul.
Of love (εξ αγαπης). Out of love to Paul as well as to Christ. Put 1Co 13 here as a flash-light.
Of faction (εξ εριθειας). Out of partisanship. From εριθευω, to spin wool, and that from εριθος, a hireling. The papyri examples suit the idea of selfish ambition (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary ). See 2Co 12:20 ; Ga 5:20 . Not sincerely (ουχ αγνως). "Not purely," that is with mixed and impure motives. To raise up affliction for my bonds (θλιψιν εγειρειν τοις δεσμοις μου). Now that Paul is down they jump on him in mean and nagging ways. Dative case in δεσμοις. "To make my chains gall me" (Lightfoot).
What then? (τ γαρ?) Sharp problem put up to Paul by the conduct of the Judaizers. Only that (πλην οτ). Same idiom in Ac 20:23 . Πλην is adverb πλεον (more besides). As a preposition πλην means "except." This essential thing Paul sees in spite of all their envy and selfishness that Christ is preached. Whether in pretence (ειτε προφασε). Either from προφαινω, to shew forth, or προφημ, to speak forth, the ostensible presentation often untrue.
See Ac 27:30 . Paul sees clearly through the pious pretence of these Judaizers and rejoices that people get some knowledge of Christ. Some Christ is better than no Christ. Yea, and will rejoice (αλλα κα χαρησομα). Note affirmative, not adversative, use of αλλα. Volitive use of the future (second future passive) indicative (χαρησομα) of χαιρω. Paul is determined to rejoice in spite of the efforts of the Judaizers to prod him to anger.
Will turn (αποβησετα). Future middle indicative of αποβαινω, old verb, to come from, to come back, to turn out. To my salvation (εις σωτηριαν). For his release from prison as he strongly hopes to see them again ( 1:26 ). Lightfoot takes the word to be Paul's eternal salvation and it must be confessed that verse 20 (the close of this sentence) does suit that idea best.
Can it be that Paul carried both conceptions in the word here? Supply (επιχορηγιας). Late and rare word (one example in inscription of first century A. D.) In N. T. only here and Eph 4:16 . From the late verb επιχορηγεω (double compound, επι, χοροσ, ηγεομα, to furnish supply for the chorus) which see in 2Co 9:10 ; Ga 3:5 .
Earnest expectation (αποκαραδοκιαν). In Paul alone from αποκαραδοκεω (in papyri). See on Ro 8:19 for only other example. Shall be magnified (μεγαλυνθησετα). Future passive indicative of μεγαλυνω, old verb, to make great, from μεγας (great). See Ac 19:17 . In my body (εν τω σωματ μου). See Ro 12:1 f . It is harder often to make Christ great in the body than in the spirit.
For to me (εμο γαρ). Fine example of the ethical dative. Paul gives his own view of living. To live is Christ (το ζηιν Χριστος). No copula (εστιν), but το ζηιν (the act of living present active infinitive) is the subject as is shown by the article το. Living is coextensive with Christ. Gain (κερδος). Old word for any gain or profit, interest on money (so in papyri).
In N. T. only here, Php 3:7 ; Tit 1:11 . To die (το αποθανειν, second aorist active infinitive, single act) is to cash in both principal and interest and so to have more of Christ than when living. So Paul faces death with independence and calm courage.
If this is the fruit of my work (τουτο μο καρπος εργου). There is no ε (if) here in the Greek, but τουτο (this) seems to be resumptive and to repeat the conditional clause just before. If so, κα just after means then and introduces the conclusion of the condition. Otherwise τουτο introduces the conclusion and κα means I wot not (ου γνωριζω). "I know not." It seems odd to preserve the old English word "wot" here.
But it is not clear that γνωριζω (old causative verb from γινωσκω) means just to know. Elsewhere in the N. T. , as in Lu 2:15 ; Ro 9:22 , it means to make known, to declare. The papyri examples mean to make known. It makes perfectly good sense to take its usual meaning here, "I do not declare what I shall choose."
I am in a strait (συνεχομα). "I am held together." Present passive indicative of the common compound verb συνεχω, to hold together, to hem together as in Lu 8:45 . "I am hemmed in on both sides" (Lightfoot). Betwixt the two (εκ των δυο). "From the two (sides)." Pressure to live on, pressure to die and be with Christ. To depart (εις το αναλυσα). Purpose clause, εις το and the aorist active infinitive αναλυσα, old compound verb, to unloose (as threads), to break up, to return ( Lu 12:36 , only other N.
T. example), to break up camp (Polybius), to weigh anchor and put out to sea, to depart (often in old Greek and papyri). Cf. καταλυω in 2Co 5:1 for tearing down the tent. Very far better (πολλω μαλλον κρεισσον). Double comparative (triple Lightfoot calls it because of πολλω) like Isocrates and the Koine often. See 2Co 7:13 for περισσοτερως μαλλον. Πολλω is the instrumental case of measure (by much).
In the flesh (εν τη σαρκ). So B D G, but Aleph A C do not have εν. Unnecessary with επιμενω, to abide by (common verb).
And abide with you all (κα παραμενω πασιν υμιν). Common Pauline idiom to repeat the simple verb (μενω) as a compound (παραμενω, future active indicative), old verb, to remain beside followed by locative case. See same idiom in χαιρω, συνχαιρω ( Php 2:17 ).
In Christ Jesus in me (εν Χριστω Ιησου εν εμο). "In Christ Jesus" as the basis for the glorying (καυχημα), "in me" as the instance in point. Through my presence (δια της εμης παρουσιας). The word so often used of the second coming of Christ, but here in its ordinary sense as in 2:12 ; 1Co 16:17 .
Let your manner of life (πολιτευεσθε). Old verb from πολιτης, citizen, and that from πολις, city, to be a citizen, to manage a state's affairs, to live as a citizen. Only twice in N. T. , here and Ac 23:1 . Philippi as a colony possessed Roman citizenship and Paul was proud of his own possession of this right. The Authorized Version missed the figure completely by the word "conversation" which did refer to conduct and not mere talk as now, but did not preserve the figure of citizenship.
Better render, "Only do ye live as citizens." Striving (συναθλουντες). Rather, "striving together" as in an athletic contest. Late and rare word (Diodorus). "The very energy of the Christian faith to produce energetic individualities" (Rainy). "Striving in concert" (Lightfoot). For the faith (τη πιστε). For the teaching of the gospel, objective sense of πιστις (faith).
Affrighted (πτυρομενο). Present passive participle of πτυρω, old verb, to frighten. The metaphor is of a timid or scared horse and from πτοεω (πτοα, terror). "Not startled in anything." By the adversaries (υπο των αντικειμενων). These men who were lined up against (present middle participle of αντικειμα) may have been Jews or Gentiles or both. See 2Th 2:4 for this late verb.
Any preacher who attacks evil will have opposition. Evident token (ενδειξις). Old word for proof. See 2Co 8:24 ; Ro 3:25 f . "An Attic law term" (Kennedy) and only in Paul in N. T. Perdition (απωλειας). "Loss" in contrast with "salvation" (σωτηριας). And that (κα τουτο). Idiomatic adverbial accusative. "It is a direct indication from God. The Christian gladiator does not anxiously await the signal of life or death from the fickle crowd" (Lightfoot).
In the behalf of Christ (το υπερ Χριστου). Literally, "the in behalf of Christ." But Paul divides the idea and uses the article to again both with πιστευειν and with πασχειν. Suffering in behalf of Christ is one of God's gifts to us.
Conflict (αγωνα). Athletic or gladiatorial contest as in 1Ti 6:12 ; 2Ti 4:7 . The Philippians saw Paul suffer ( Ac 16:19-40 ; 1Th 2:2 ) as now they have heard about it in Rome.